s ISAF Grade 1 Marseille International Match Race, taking place in France from 22-26 March. K-Challenges Sébastien COL (FRA) will lead the home challenge for honours, with stars from three other America's Cup teams and some of the worlds top match racing talent set for a fascinating showdown next week.." playid="" -->

America's Cup Teams Set For Marseille

Marseille International Match Race 2006

Marseille, France

The stars from the America's Cup are eagerly awaited at this year's ISAF Grade 1 Marseille International Match Race, taking place in France from 22-26 March. K-Challenge's Sébastien COL (FRA) will lead the home challenge for honours, with stars from three other America's Cup teams and some of the world's top match racing talent set for a fascinating showdown next week..

Now a well established annual event in the world of Match Racing, the fourth edition of the Marseille International Match Race will again be organized by the Yachting Club de la Pointe Rouge (YCPR), and take place on Marseille's Southern bay.

A Proven Standing

The event's standing, proven year on year by the participation of some of the world's leading skippers, has once again been confirmed by the presence of members of four teams engaged in the America's Cup. The Marseille International Match Race provides a great opportunity for the best in the world to race against each other in the Mediterranean on identical boats, comparing their technical and strategic performances.

Along with COL, fellow Frenchman Philippe PRESTI (FRA) will represent LunaRossa, whilst Danish star Jes GRAM-HANSEN will line up for the Italian based Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team. Meanwhile America's Cup Defenders Alinghi, whose team led by Ed BAIRD (USA) won in Marseille last year, will line up under the leadership of Peter HOLMBERG (ISV).

Great View For Spectators

From the very beginning, the Marseille International Match Race has been an event for anybody who wants to discover or learn more about sailing. This is why, in partnership with the Office de la Mer, from the Marseille town council, a programme called 'Regatta in Sight' lays on specially equipped motorboats that allow the public to get up close to the races.

Taken as close as possible to the race course, the spectators benefit from a running commentary by experts, explaining the intricacies that can prove so decisive in match racing. Following the show is all the easier for beginners, as the rules of match racing are relatively simple: two boats fight it out and the first one home wins.

On Thursday and Friday the region's schoolchildren will be boarding the motorboat for an educational voyage of discovery.

On Saturday and Sunday, this excursion onto the sea will be an opportunity for everyone. That is the declared wish of the YCPR and the Office de la Mer, allowing all the Marseillais (and more) to share in the great event.